Kingston's LaSalle Causeway reopens for pedestrians

Pedestrians can once again cross the LaSalle Causeway in Kingston, Ont.

In a Wednesday media release, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC)said the span has reopened to those on foot.

Cyclists can also use the sidewalkbut must dismount and walk their bikes, it added.

PSPC warned users might run into "short delays" while crossing the bridgeand notedfuture sidewalk closures may be "necessary for safety reasons" as work continues.

The causeway is an important link between downtown Kingston and the city's eastern suburbs, but itwasclosed to all traffic after it was damaged March 30 during construction.

Part of the century-old crossing is a Bascule bridge, which uses a heavy counterweight to let boats through. PSPC said a steel truss that supports the weight was damaged while work was underway to strengthen it.

The closure has resulted in cancellations for stranded tour boats, traffic congestion and worries about a drop in foot traffic for downtown businesses.

'Progress' made, says PSPC

PSPC has said it's looking at making repairs in a phased approach in order to reopen the causeway to all traffic.

In an update shared May 10, the department said that work is underway and "progress" has been made.

It estimated the repairs will take approximately seven to nine weeks to complete, barring any unforeseen issues.

PSPC said it's also exploring two other optionsto allow boat traffic to resume:removing aconcrete span or if the bridge was deemed "irreparable" scrapping it altogether.

However, those options would take 12-14 weeks, PSPC said, plusanother four to six weeks in November to set up a temporary bridge for other types of traffic after the marine season isover.

142:13:20Kingston's LaSalle Causeway to be closed for up to 10 weeks for repairs

\nCruise boat operators can't gear up for tourist season in Kingston becuse their boats are stranded on the wrong side of the damaged LaSalle Causeway bridge. It will be closed for up to 10 weeks for repairs.